Best Appointment Scheduling Software for Small Business Australia in 2026
Editorially independent. This page may contain affiliate links and clearly-labeled paid placements — see our advertising disclosure. Paid placements never change the ranking order below. Prices are indicative ($) and change often.
We evaluated six scheduling platforms based on AUD pricing transparency, free-tier capacity, workflow fit for Australian service models, and integration depth. This ranking is strictly for small Australian businesses (1-5 staff) needing appointment management, excluding large enterprise or complex multi-site retail operations.
How we ranked these
At a glance
| # | Product | Score | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square Appointments | 9.2 | A$0 (base) / A$40 per location (Plus) | General Australian service businesses already using the Square ecosystem |
| 2 | CoreBookings | 8.8 | A$59 per month + GST | Australian businesses mixing private sessions and classes |
| 3 | Setmore | 8.1 | Free / US$12 per user monthly (Pro) | Budget-conscious small teams with low booking volumes |
| 4 | Calendly | 7.9 | Free / US$10 per seat (Standard, annual) | Consultants, coaches, and solo professionals scheduling meetings |
| 5 | Acuity Scheduling | 7.4 | US$20 monthly | Solo professionals and appointment teams requiring forms and separate calendars |
| 6 | Cliniko | 7.1 | US$45 (1 practitioner) / US$95 (2-5 prac | Allied health clinics (physio, psychology, chiropractic, dental, GP, mental health, podiatry) |
Square Appointments
A$0 (base) / A$40 per location (Plus) 9.2- AUD pricing with base plan at A$0
- Integrated Point of Sale (POS) and payments
- 30-day paid trial available
- Paid features require Plus plan at A$40 per location
- Not suitable for clinical workflows requiring Medicare claiming
Best for: General Australian service businesses already using the Square ecosystem
CoreBookings
A$59 per month + GST 8.8- AUD pricing with explicit GST separation
- Supports hybrid timetables for mixed private and class-based businesses
- Offers passes and appointments in one platform
- GST is extra on the advertised A$59 price
- Not suitable for solo consultants or trade businesses
Best for: Australian businesses mixing private sessions and classes
Setmore
Free / US$12 per user monthly (Pro) 8.1- Free plan supports up to 4 users and 200 monthly bookings
- Pro plan costs US$12 per user monthly
- Budget-conscious scheduling for small teams
- Strict limits on free plan (4 users, 200 bookings)
- US-based pricing (USD) may incur foreign exchange costs
Best for: Budget-conscious small teams with low booking volumes
Calendly
Free / US$10 per seat (Standard, annual) 7.9- Free plan includes 1 calendar
- Standard plan includes 6 calendars at US$10 per seat
- Supports forms, calendars, and video calls for meetings
- Not built for front-desk operations or complex service scheduling
- Best for straightforward appointments rather than clinic or trade workflows
Best for: Consultants, coaches, and solo professionals scheduling meetings
Acuity Scheduling
US$20 monthly 7.4- 7-day trial with no credit card required
- Supports real-time availability tracking and advance client payments
- Automated invoicing and flexible availability rules
- US-based pricing (USD) may incur foreign exchange costs for Australian businesses
- No free plan; requires paid subscription after trial
Best for: Solo professionals and appointment teams requiring forms and separate calendars
Cliniko
US$45 (1 practitioner) / US$95 (2-5 prac 7.1- Includes Medicare claiming and private health rebates
- Supports clinical records and practitioner workflows
- 30-day trial available
- US-based pricing (USD) may incur foreign exchange costs
- Not suitable for solo consultants or trade businesses
Best for: Allied health clinics (physio, psychology, chiropractic, dental, GP, mental health, podiatry)
How to choose
Choose Square Appointments (A$0/A$40) or CoreBookings (A$59+GST) to avoid foreign exchange volatility; avoid USD-priced tools if your revenue is AUD-denominated.
If you exceed 200 monthly bookings or 4 users, Setmore's free plan is insufficient; upgrade to Pro at US$12/user or select Square Plus at A$40/location.
Only Cliniko supports Medicare claiming and private health rebates; if you are an allied health provider, this feature is non-negotiable despite the USD pricing.
Square Appointments offers integrated POS and payments at A$40/location; Fresha charges an additional 2.79% + $0.20 fee for online payments, making Square cheaper for high-volume transactions.
Our verdict
Square Appointments is the best overall pick for Australian small businesses due to AUD pricing and integrated POS, while Cliniko is the mandatory choice for allied health clinics requiring Medicare claiming.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free appointment scheduling tool for Australian small businesses?
Yes, Square Appointments offers a base plan at A$0, and Setmore provides a free plan supporting up to 4 users and 200 monthly bookings.
Which scheduling software supports Medicare claiming in Australia?
Cliniko is the only tool in this ranking that includes Medicare claiming and private health rebates, priced at US$45 for one practitioner.
What is the cost of Square Appointments for a single location?
The base plan is A$0, but paid features require the Plus plan at A$40 per location.
Can Calendly be used for clinic or trade workflows?
No, Calendly is not built for front-desk operations or complex service scheduling; it is best for straightforward appointments like consulting or sales meetings.
